A determined Wilmer Flores told Kevin Kernan of the NY Post he has no plans to give up the shortstop position and that when all is said and done the joke will be on those who doubted him.
“I know I can take that position,’’ Flores said at Tradition Field. “I’m real proud of myself because playing shortstop in the big leagues, I didn’t think I could do that. Last year went very well. I’m doing everything I can to get better. Now that I have the opportunity to play, I’m going to make the most of it.’’
Flores, 23, has been working non stop since last season ended with a tour in Venezuela for Winter Ball, two separate stints at the Barwis offseason workout program, and reporting early for Spring Training. His focus has been improving his footwork and range.
“It’s gotten a lot better,’’ he said of his range. “I’m real proud of myself because playing shortstop in the big leagues, I didn’t think I could do that. Last year went very well.”
“I’m doing everything I can to get better. Now that I have the opportunity to play, I’m going to make the most of it.”
One popular projection system, ZiPS, projects Flores with a .266 average, 17 home runs, 80 RBI, and .728 OPS.
